Egypt Launches 'Green River' Construction in New Capital

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly speaks at the opening ceremony for the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China November 5, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song/Pool

Cairo - Asharq Al-Awsat

Egypt has launched the Green River project in the new administrative capital (NAC), east of Cairo, aimed at linking a series of modern and diverse urban neighborhoods. The Egyptian government seeks to make the new capital the largest modern city in the world.

During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister and Housing Minister Mostafa Madbouly said: "The project is being implemented by seven construction companies with a total of 500 machines, along with hundreds of workers."

"The Egyptian government is committed to this project and aims to conclude it in 18 months, by partnering with the private sector in all the development and construction phases, which will provide many opportunities for local and foreign investment. This comes as part of the government's belief in the importance of construction sector, which represents an extension for the ancestor's heritage and a message from the present to a bright future," the Prime Minister said.

Madbouly explained that the park will extend over a 10 km area, making it one of the largest in the world, and a garden that respects the topographical nature of the place and harmonizes with the general ecosystem. It will feature an integrated network of lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, and a range of distinctive projects.

Talking about the resources required for the afforestation of the new river, he said: “The output of the water treatment plants will be used to cultivate all the green areas, including the private gardens in houses. Treated water will be our main resource to irrigate green spaces."

According to the statement, the Green River is 35 km long. The starting phase will see the development of the first 10 kilometers, extending from the central ring road to the regional ring (eastern Cairo) with an estimated investment of 9 billion pounds. The project is conducted by the Housing Ministry in partnership with Dar Al-Handasah Office.

Director of Dar Al-Handasah Office Yehia Zaki said: "The Park is characterized by a wide variety of vegetation, which reflects the richness of the Egyptian natural vegetation environment.”

“The park is the main element in the urban structure of NAC's central district, with its unique spaces to accommodate activities and recreational services, as well as open areas. The park is directly linked to the residential neighborhoods surrounding the heart of the new administrative capital through a network of green axes."

The central park of the new administrative capital will provide a greater opportunity for community interaction between the residents and its wider scope. It is expected to host more than two million visitors annually and will offer the newest communication and transport systems, he explained.

Madbouly had also visited the under-construction towers in NAC's financial and business district project, which is being executed by the Chinese company CSCEC in cooperation with a number of Egyptian developers.

The construction of the 20 towers is aimed at providing myriads of services. Among them is the Icon Tower, the tallest in Africa, at a height of about 385 meters. The concrete bases will be continuously poured within days over 80 hours, registering a world record, according to Madbouly.

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